24 Jun WIN Personal Stories: Voices of women across the Danube Region
24.06.2026
WIN Personal Stories: Voices of women across the Danube Region
In many peripheral industrial regions across the Danube Region, women’s lives and career paths are shaped by factors that often remain invisible in statistics. These areas, historically developed around heavy industry and traditionally male-dominated sectors, still reflect deeply rooted patterns that influence who has access to opportunities, whose work is valued, and whose ambitions are supported.
Within the WIN project, personal stories of women from seven pilot regions were collected – Slovenia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Each story offers a unique perspective, yet together they create a broader picture of resilience, ambition, and the everyday challenges women face in the labour markets of these regions. While some stories speak of success and perseverance, others highlight barriers, uncertainty, and difficult choices.
This collection shows that women’s experiences cannot be reduced to simple categories of success or failure. They are complex and shaped by a combination of personal ambition, social circumstances, and the realities of everyday life. At the same time, the stories demonstrate creativity, adaptability, and persistence – even in environments that are not always supportive.
The stories from Serbia were filmed at the ethno household “Šurička bajka” near Loznica, where seven inspiring personal experiences were presented in video format and later compiled into a written collection.
You can watch the video stories here.
You can read the written collection here.
Minami Hoshino – Bridging cultures through tourism
Minami Hoshino, the only Japanese woman living and working in Loznica at the time of filming, came to Serbia through the JICA exchange programme. While working at the Tourism Organization of the City of Loznica, she contributed to the promotion of local tourism and international cooperation. She was particularly impressed by the openness and hospitality of the people, as well as the active role of women in entrepreneurship. Her story highlights the importance of cultural exchange and the potential of local products and crafts in the international market.
Ljiljana Matković – The strength of entrepreneurship and resilience
With more than 30 years of experience, Ljiljana Matković has built the company EKO TIM, which today serves hundreds of clients. As a refugee from Sarajevo, she started her business under difficult circumstances, without systemic support. Through perseverance, adaptability, and the introduction of innovations such as digitalization, she succeeded in developing a stable and successful business. Her story speaks about persistence and the importance of mutual support among women.
Slobodanka Coka Stević – Turning vision into success
An entrepreneur with many years of experience in the tourism sector, Slobodanka has built her own business system that includes travel agencies and a hotel. She started during the highly unstable period of 1999, but despite the challenges, she managed to develop a sustainable business. She emphasizes the importance of believing in one’s goals, learning through obstacles, and the value of community support.
Zorica Stefanović – Turning a life story into rural tourism
Together with her husband, Zorica created the ethno household “Šurička bajka,” transforming their family space into an authentic tourist offering. Their story began during the pandemic, when they decided to build something of their own. Today, they offer guests a unique experience that blurs the line between private and business life. Her story highlights the importance of authenticity, creativity, and connecting people.
Angelina Marković – Blending art and entrepreneurship
A textile designer and artist, Angelina has transformed her education and international experience into her work in Loznica, where she opened her own studio. Through art and education, she is building a local community and contributing to the development of the creative sector. As a young mother and entrepreneur, she faces the challenge of balancing private and professional life, yet remains committed to creating a sustainable artistic practice.
Olivera Tešić – The strength of hard work and perseverance
Olivera’s story is an example of remarkable personal struggle and strength. After a serious illness and financial challenges, she developed multiple sources of income — from running a beauty salon to agriculture and selling homemade products. Through continuous work and adaptability, she managed to secure stability for herself and her family. Her story inspires through perseverance and belief in one’s own abilities.
Anastasija Kuzmanović – Tradition in modern business
As a representative of the younger generation, Anastasija leads the family-owned sock factory KIKA, continuing a tradition spanning more than two decades. She is focused on modernizing the business and introducing new approaches, while preserving the company’s quality and core values. Her story shows how the combination of tradition and innovation can be transformed into a sustainable business model.
These stories do not offer simple answers, but rather encourage reflection and highlight the importance of listening to diverse experiences. It is through understanding these voices that we can build a more inclusive and equitable society.